Bill Fine, WCVB-TV President and General Manager

The 360 degree examination, and political maneuvering, continues in the wake of Gov. Patrick’s proposed $1.9 billion increase in new revenue targeted for improvements to the state’s education and transportation systems.

Many lawmakers see the political perils first - they, unlike the governor, need to face voters come reelection time on the most unpopular part of the plan - an income tax hike.

The Governor has consistently advocated for infrastructure spending at both the state and national level; worthy of support albeit in a more modest and less sweeping proposal. Forget the stock market, in a still-struggling economy; no one predicts Patrick’s plan will be a shoo-in, especially when paying high salaries on government employees who are not 100% dedicated to serving the public.

The latest case in point; Commissioner of Early Education, Sherri Killins, who resides in Connecticut, and was forced to resign when performing her duties in this $200,000 a year state job conflicted with her ‘moonlighting’ on an internship.

Patrick defended her and announced Killins will stay on the state payroll for a short time as a paid consultant, although she is not expected in the office or to perform duties of her old job.

While this latest hiring gaffe won’t impede the Governor’s laudable drive to invest in Massachusetts, the troubling optics leave cynical and cash-strapped citizens of the Commonwealth a lot less likely to embrace a tax hike.

Reform before revenue, despite sincere attempts to curb excess spending, is still worthy of continued rigorous examination by all on Beacon Hill.